Begun Bhaja (Fried Eggplant)
Crispy, golden-fried eggplant slices seasoned with mustard seeds, turmeric, and chili. A beloved Bengali vegetable dish that's best eaten warm, straight from the pan.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 185
- Protein
- 1g
Ingredients
6 items — tap to check off
Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.
Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Cut eggplant lengthwise into quarter-inch-thick slabs. Pat dry on both sides with paper towels.
Step 2
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until a small piece of eggplant sizzles immediately upon contact.
Step 3
Working in batches, fry eggplant slabs 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden and tender. Do not crowd the pan.
Step 4
Transfer fried eggplant to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 5
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons oil from the skillet. Return to medium heat.
Step 6
Add mustard seeds and cook for 30 seconds until they pop and crackle.
Step 7
Add turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
Step 8
Return eggplant to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with the spiced oil. Serve hot.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet or larger
- paper towels
- tongs or slotted spatula
- paper-towel-lined plate
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
Custrd is an iPhone and Android app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations. Try it free for 7 days.
